Travelers are more eager than ever to save on their vacations, with airfare prices rising by 25% over the past year. Despite this, 793 million people globally plan to fly this summer. A new study out today analyzes airport pricing data in three key areas: hotel accommodations, parking, and the cost of a pint of beer.
Wallet-Friendly Airports of North America
Claiming the crown as the cheapest airport, is Tijuana International Airport in Mexico. Its standout feature? Hotel prices at just $77, an impressive $ less than the average. Thirsty travelers will be pleased, with beers priced at $7.75, while parking spots go for $18. That brings the grand total to $105.08 which is a wallet-friendly $102.89 below the average across all airports.
Taking the silver medal, we have William P. Hobby airport in Houston, Texas. This gem boasts the lowest parking fee at just $14. You’ll be paying a modest $7.95 per beer, and if you’re planning to catch some pre-flight Zs, a hotel will set you back $101, giving a total reasonable spend of $122.95.
Cancún International Airport in Mexico offers a sweet deal at $128.06 per visit, giving it the bronze title. Expect to pay around $98 per night at the closest hotel – $81.89 less than the norm and an eye-watering $234 less than San Diego International. However, its one downfall? The highest beer prices across all 50 airports, averaging at $14.92.
Ouch.
The Most and Least Expensive Airports for a Beer:
After battling through the queues and chaos of check-in, there’s nothing better than a cold, refreshing pre-flight beverage. The average cost of a beer across North America’s 50 airports analyzed is $8.02. But you’ll be forking out a crazy $14.92 at Cancún International, $12.41 in New York City at LaGuardia airport, and finally – $11.30 at Guadalajara International in Mexico. Cheers to that, or maybe not with those prices.
If the airport watering hole is on your travel agenda, we advise you to head over to Portland International, charging just $4.41 per beer. Followed closely by Salt Lake City International, at $5.10. Finally, North Carolina’s Charlotte Douglas International, where you’ll be paying $5.60 per beer.
The Most and Least Expensive Airports for a hotel:
When it comes to nearby hotels, the average cost for one night across all 50 airports is $179.89. LaGuardia Airport takes the top spot with an average of $332 per night, followed by Denver International ($312), and Dallas/Fort Worth International ($287.67). For budget-friendly stays, Tijuana International offers a steal at $77 per night, followed by Cancún International Airport at $98, and William P. Hobby ($101).
The Most and Least Expensive Airports for parking:
Jetting off with your car parked conveniently nearby is a traveler’s dream, but when it comes to pricing, it’s not always a smooth ride. The average across all 50 airports is $26.51. Nashville International tops the list at $42 for overnight parking, followed closely by Miami International at $41, and San Francisco and San Diego International at $40 each. On the flip side, William P. Hobby Airport offers the cheapest parking at just $14. Cancún is second at $15.14, followed by Tampa International and Raleigh-Durham at $16 each.
This infographic helps too:
